PUBLIC ORDER
115
The ambulance fleet was expanded to 99 with the addition of 13 new vehicles. The number of depots and stations remained at nine, but included a new nine-storey depot opened in Western district on Hong Kong Island in July to replace the existing one. The ambulance fleet is to be further expanded to cope with the increasing number of calls and there are plans for several new depots and stations by 1980. Facilities on ambulances have been greatly improved in recent years, including the introduction of piped oxygen and an incubator carrying capability.
Recruitment
Applications to join with the rank of assistant station officer totalled 172, of which two were successful. In addition, 28 firemen (operational and marine) and three ambulance officers were recruited.
Training School
Intake at the training school was 19 officers and 190 other ranks. A total of 137 men passed out, of whom 19 were officers. Refresher training courses, including physical fitness assessment, were organised for all personnel with the rank of station officer and below, and they were attended by 2,283 men. The school continued its courses in simple fire fighting and fire prevention for employees of other government departments and of private companies in Hong Kong. There were 122 courses varying from one to 10 days which were attended by 2,479 people.
Establishment
The establishment of the Fire Services Department at the end of 1975 was 3,618 all ranks, a decrease of 99 compared with the previous year. Strength was 3,310, giving a deficiency of 308. The non-uniformed establishment was 331, a decrease of 13 com- pared with 1974.
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